A mother's attempt to blog her way out of stress and chaos by sharing the joy as well as the sorrow...

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Two reasons I believe...

Within the last week, two separate experiences have taught me (I should actually say retaught me) that the Lord knows me, loves me, and is able to use other people to help me.

First Experience:

Last Thursday, I was having a crappy day. Seriously, I was all "mommed" out and I just kind of checked out for the afternoon. I was stressing over my kids, my new life (yes, still) and other things. The crazy kiddies ran all over the house (barely supervised) while I sat on the couch holding the baby and watching re-runs of Reba. Yeah, it was that bad. Anyway, DH called as he was heading home from the office, and I told him he needed to bring dinner. That's the signal of "If you want to eat anything, you better bring it with you" and he understood. He brought home dinner and then handed me the mail.

I saw a large envelope from my father (well, it was in his writing). Inside was a walnut shell cut in half and a paper that said this:

HAPPINESS IN A NUTSHELL

Notice that the shape and ridges of the walnut shell look like atiny brain. This reminds us that tour brains are awfully tiny and weren'tmeant to figure everything out or to be used all the time. When we use ourlittle brains too much, it feels like a stick shift vehicle going too fastin first gear.

When you feel your little brain working too hard, turn the nutover. This is symbolic of "turning things over" to God when things are toobig for us to handle.

Now, with the flat side of the nut facing up, notice the shape ofa heart. With your index finger, touch the smooth shell and trace around theoutline of the heart.

Notice the eyes peeking out of the shape of the heart.

Feel the smoothness in contrast to the roughness on the otherside.

In summary, when you feel your little brain working too hard, turnthings over and see things through your heart instead, and everything willgo more smoothly. (Ryan Hulbert PhD)

Can I just tell you how wonderful it was to read this? I cried and cried--and then later found out that my mother had given it to my father to send to me. My dad asked her if she wanted to wait and write a note with it, but she said "No, I feel that it needs to be sent today" and because of that, it arrived at the moment I needed it.

Second experience:

I've been having some problems with my parenting. I know, I know! The mind reels when it thinks that Cheryl would be anything but the best mother in the whole world, but alas, it is true. I am a failure at most things. ~sigh~ Anyway, my grandmother (or, DH's grandmother) has a blog, and I sought her advice on parenting. She answered me and I was satisfied with her advice --it was great! However, I've been having a hard time implementing it. Yesterday was an especially trying day. Just imagine: every book, every toy, and every game all over the place. I was at my wits end, and shouting ensued and it was a mess. Luckily I had a piano lesson to interrupt the frustration on both my part and the kids' part. But I was just upset all around, you know? Here I am, failing miserably at the very thing I should be excelling at. Well, lo and behold, in the mail comes another small package --and this time it's a letter from Grandma and "The Parent's Handbook" with all the advice in it that Grandma had shared with me. I am so excited! I started reading right away and have been trying so hard today to implement some of it. And so far, so good.

Can I just tell you how grateful I am to two righteous women who listened to the Spirit and sent me the very things I would need --at the very moments I would need them? I feel not only blessed to have them in my life, but very, very humbled that I would be worthy of so much love and attention from the Lord.

So, thank you, mom and thank you, Grandma for being so sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. And thank you for loving me enough to think of me. It has made a bigger difference in my life than I think you'll ever know...

It's called "The Parent's Handbook" by Don Dinkmeyer and Gary D. McKay. I have the third edition which was published in 1989 --I know that's a while ago, but everything is pretty timeless. It's pretty good about teaching love, patience, respect, and giving our children choices. I'm really liking it so far! My grandma gave me her copy, so I'm not really sure where you can find one...I'm betting you could google it, though! ;)

How fantastic to have people who are soooo in tune in your life! I can't remember where I heard this but someone told me that Elder Bednar's wife wakes up every morning and prays to know who will need her help that day. Good to know there are people out there like her, especially when folks like me are on the receiving end. :-)

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About Me

I was born to Canadian parents, raised in Idaho, and graduated from BYU. Since marrying my favorite person, we have lived in Provo, UT; near San Francisco, CA; outside of Philadelphia, PA; and now we live in the Flint Hills of Kansas! I have one incredible husband (18 years and counting) and seven sensational kids. I'm a musician, voracious reader, nature lover, traveler, hopeful romantic, and work in progress!